Leap of Faith (The Sicarius Security Series Book 2)

By Susan Harris

Ezekiel Collins has always despised the monster that he became when he was turned into a vampire. A man of faith, he believed that God was punishing him, giving him a thirst for blood that never seems to end no matter how much he begs forgiveness. He has been merely coasting through life, waiting for the axe to fall, when a certain succubus saunters into his life and he finds himself craving her touch more than blood.

Scarlett Russel was kicked out of her Seduction because unlike her kin, she is hungry for romance. She wants to find her knight in shining armour who can love her for her, and not her species. What she wasn’t expecting was to be attracted to the grumpiest vampire at Sicarius Security, Ezekiel Collins. And considering the scary but handsome vampire seems to hate Scarlett, even though she can tell that he is attracted to her too, working so close to him may just drive her crazy.

There is still a threat to the entire Sicarius family but the multi-million euro company won’t manage itself. Ezekiel and Scarlett are forced to work in close proximity to one another, their attraction palpable. Will they fight against the chance of a happy ever after or will they both take a leap of faith and see what the future has in store?

• Language: English
• Publisher: CTP Publishing
• Release date: Mar 18, 2022
• ISBN: 9781634224734

Susan Harris

Susan Harris is a writer from Cork in Ireland. An avid reader, she quickly grew to love books in the supernatural/fantasy genre. When she is not writing or reading, she loves music, oriental cultures, tattoos, anything Disney and psychology. If she wasn't a writer she would love to be a FBI profiler or a PA for Dave Grohl or Jared Leto.Susan Harris is the author of Shattered Memories.

Book preview

Ezekiel

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Ezekiel Collins was certain that if his heart still beat inside his chest, the organ would be trying to burst forth right now. His palms felt sweaty, and panic flared in his chest as he scrubbed a hand down his face. Silently, he cursed his closest friend and brother in all but blood, Malakai, for swanning off and leaving him to deal with the business they had all built together.

Yet Zeke did not blame him for taking the sliver of happiness that Malakai had found in the form of his banshee assassin. However, Zeke knew that he was not the kind of vampire that you wanted around humans and Inferna. His control on his hunger was minimal, his dislike for being around people was largely known, and if he had his way, the time he spent outside his library would be next to nothing.

Tonight, he sat in his office, the one he barely used, dressed in a suit that felt like brands on his skin, even if it was tailor-made to fit his body shape. He had forgone the tie Jasmine Cavanagh had tried to get him to wear, dismissing her with a growl as he unbuttoned the first two buttons on the black shirt.

Swallowing hard, Zeke clenched his fists as he blew out an unnecessary breath. Two weeks ago, Malakai Cavanagh, CEO of their company, Sicarius Security, declared that he was taking time to travel with his partner, Keeva, leaving the security company in his hands, while the other partners, Jasmine and their brother Dylan McGrath, would deal with their other businesses. Jazz would handle running Dante’s, their nightclub and music venue, while Dylan would handle the assassin network that they cultivated to deal with the worst of the Inferna community.

The Inferna was the term used for the collective of supernatural creatures who walked the earth, hidden from humans, only finding out the monsters existed when one decided to break the rules of the Inferna council and kill. That was where the assassins came in; they hunted and killed anyone who dared try and expose the Inferna to the world.

And that is what will become of you should you loosen the rein on the monster inside of you. Malakai will make good on his promise to kill you.

Centuries ago, when his new family found him, Zeke made Malakai promise to be the one to kill him, to be the one to finally end the endless nights and days of inner turmoil. He had thought that day had come mere weeks ago, when he was shot and lost so much blood that he had been feral. If not for the actions of a certain raven-haired female that he could not get out of his head, he would be ashes on the wind by now.

Even now, Zeke remembered exactly how her blood had tasted when he pierced her creamy skin, felt her body as it arched into his as he cupped her breast. In that moment, he wanted Scarlett Russell more than he had ever wanted to sate his bloodlust. He had not cared that they were not alone, and had she not uttered the words that snapped him out of his trance, Zeke would have fucked her up against the wall.

I’m a virgin.

Those exact words had doused not only his libido, but his blood hunger, and for the first time in his entire second life, Zeke had stepped away, his appetite sated. However, his hunger for Scarlett, the so-called reluctant succubus, had only intensified. Working beside her while he got caught up with day-to-day things that Kai normally handled had been a wonderful torture.

It was not like he could ask Dylan to replace him in his duties. Dylan’s strengths lay in his ability to pinpoint security breaches and anticipate attacks. Despite having been shot with an arrow recently, Dylan felt no ill effects, and Ezekiel knew that his brother in death would be dogmatic in his pursuit. He had already been able to trace where the arrow had been shot from and was analysing any security camera feeds that might give even a hint of the person who had it in for the family.

A polite rap sounded on the door before the succubus in question slipped inside, a faint blush on her cheeks. Zeke allowed himself a moment to skim his eyes over her, inhaling her scent as her cheeks reddened even more.

Standing at five foot almost seven inches, even more so with those heels of hers, Scarlett had big blue eyes that were wide, fanned by thick black lashes that had nothing to do with makeup. Her raven hair, which came down to her shoulders, was pinned back in a very respectable bun. Long, lean legs were nearly covered by a below-knee black skirt that clung to all her curves, and Zeke knew that when she walked out, he would be graced with a glorious view of her ass.

A red blouse the same colour of her lipstick covered those impressive breasts. His palm itched to have another feel of her flawless skin. Scarlett’s cheeks heated even more as she ran the tip of her tongue along her bottom lip, those baby blues widening as Zeke followed the movement.

Ivan Dunne is here to see you, Mr. Collins.

Zeke felt a flash of his temper slip its reins, having told Scarlett on several occasions that there was no need to be so formal with him, yet she persisted, citing the need to remain professional. For almost two weeks now, they had been the epitome of polite conversation, and had he not known better, had not been treated to the acidic bite of her own temper, he would not have believed she could be rattled.

Zeke sat back in his chair, unable to stop the shudder from running through his body. Cracking his neck, he lifted his gaze to Scarlett’s and said, Show him in, please.

Scarlett opened the door, giving Zeke a knuckle-biting glance at her ass in that pencil skirt, hiding his reaction as the new leader of the banshee strode in. Ivan Dunne had been the second-in-command to the bastard who traumatised and tried to kill Malakai, though the banshee claimed to have no knowledge of what Angus McFergus was up to.

Zeke rose, offering his hand to the banshee as Scarlett closed the door and perched herself on a chair beside Zeke to take notes. Ivan shook his hand, and Zeke assessed the other man like he would any adversary. Ivan was lean, with the body of a runner, in comparison with Zeke’s muscular one, which had been ingrained on him working on the farm when he was human. Although Ivan looked poised, refrained even, Zeke knew that the man did not lead a Scream of Banshee without having some serious power.

Zeke let go of Ivan’s hand, gesturing him to sit, waiting until the other man did before he retook his seat, suddenly hyperaware that Scarlett sat only inches from him, close enough to touch.

Clearing his throat, Zeke lifted his eyes to Ivan as he said, What can I do for you, Mr. Dunne?

Ivan grinned. Ivan, please. I had been hoping to meet with Malakai, but I believe he is overseas?

He is. That was all that Zeke was going to say on the matter, for only a select few knew where Malakai and Keeva had gone, and since neither were much for the plague of social media, Zeke didn’t have to worry about pictures of the smitten couple ending up all over Instagram.

Malakai has left me in charge of running Sicarius in his absence. Most of my time is spent behind the scenes, but I am intimately acquainted with the business.

Zeke could feel Scarlett’s eyes on him as Ivan inclined his head.

I have no doubt of that, Ezekiel. Everyone I have spoken to has remarked on your capabilities.

Zeke wasn’t much for flattery, didn’t particularly need it. When they had decided to open Sicarius Security as a legit front for their assassin side gig, Zeke had spent years learning all he could about the law, contracts, and even found a passion for facts and figures. It was one way he could pay back the family for the support they gave him with an unwavering loyalty, despite the fact he was a monster.

When it was obvious that Zeke was not going to remark on his flattery, Ivan continued. Due to the piss-poor leadership of my predecessor, I find that I wish to improve my people’s lives. I was unaware that some of our clients had become threatening toward my staff, and even those in Angus’s inner circle have not been easily put back in their boxes. I want to hire Sicarius to work for us and train some of my personal guards. No one does security like Sicarius does.

And Ivan wasn’t lying about that. Sicarius Security catered to both human and Inferna, holding several government contracts, and had installed state-of-the-art protection procedures in homes of royalty. They had honed their craft over the decades, and each of the owners had their own specialist areas.

Any Inferna-related contracts must be filed with the council before any agreement can be made. That being said, unless a majority of the company’s partners agree, a contract will not be taken. Ms. Russell emailed a copy of our terms to your secretary. Setting up what you outlined will be expensive.

Don’t worry. We can pay. Ivan slipped his hand inside his jacket, then slid an envelope across the table. I’ve already filed with the council to state our intentions to hire Sicarius.

Zeke rested his elbows on the table, clasping his hands together. You could offer the contract out to tender. You might save money that way. Why come straight to us and not Alpha?

Ivan folded his arms across his chest. The wolves are squabbling internally. It’s affecting business. Every Inferna knows that Sicarius is the best, and I want that for my people. Considering a certain redhead was able to storm into the banshee building and point-blank shot Angus without a single soul stopping her, I don’t wish to hire sloppy. I want it done right.

While Zeke could appreciate that, he wondered if Ivan was hiring Sicarius in the hopes of showing the aforementioned redhead that her kin had changed. He guessed time would only tell, if they decided to take the contract. It was a sound money-maker. Zeke had purposely overquoted to see if Ivan was serious or not and how much he would counter with. To his amazement, Ivan had agreed to the price without trying to beat him down a couple of grand.

Reclining in his chair again, Zeke inclined his head to Ivan. I’ll run it by the partners. I will have Ms. Russell contact your office when a decision is made. Should you need anything before then or have any questions, feel free to reach out.

He rose and extended his hand. They exchanged pleasantries, and then Scarlett was leading the banshee out, pulling the door slightly behind her. Zeke blew out a breath, closing his eyes, letting himself relax considering that he had managed to get through at least one meeting without killing anyone.

Screams ripped through the night as he stalked toward the man cowering at the end of the corridor, his fear so great that he managed to urinate on himself. The scent should have bothered him, disgusted him even, but all he cared about was freeing the terrified man of his blood. A growl rumbled in his chest, red bleeding into his eyes.

The man made the sign of the cross, offering up a prayer in his own language as Zeke wrapped a hand around his throat and bit down hard on the flesh at the curve of his neck. The moment the warm ambrosia tasting blood touched his tongue, he backed the man against a wall, bending his neck unnaturally as he tried to latch on, sucking even deeper.

Strength flooded his veins, and the next time he bent the man’s neck, it snapped, proving just how fragile and weak humans were. Zeke let go of the man when he had drained him of any blood, the hunger in him burning. He felt as if he would never be sated, never be full, never not be a monster.

He heard a whimper, his bloodred eyes darting to where a blonde-haired female trembled from behind the pillar. She was dressed in the brown slacks of a maid. Her young features were bruised, her hair matted. Zeke stepped toward her. The young girl screamed as he growled at her to run, but the fool just stood frozen to the spot.

Kill her, bleed her dry …

Zeke took another step toward her as he sensed someone behind him and felt the shock of electricity in his spine as Jazz rushed toward the girl and pulled her away.

All right, big man, easy does it.

Another jolt locked his spine, and Zeke dropped to his knees, grunting as he hit the concrete. Dylan kept the taser locked on his spine, and Zeke had given up fighting it as Malakai crouched down in front of him and cupped his cheek.

Did the girl get away? Zeke blurted out, his body trembling as the currents coursed through his body.

She did, Ezekiel, as did the children. They are safe.

Ezekiel?

The sound of his name on her lips was enough to drag him from his memories. He slowly opened his eyes to see Scarlett closing the door behind her. It was the first time they had been alone in a room together without the buffer of his vampire brethren or one of the Sicarius team. She set a mug of coffee on the table, the butter scent of it doing nothing to mask the luscious intoxicating scent of Scarlett. She smelled like apples, freshly picked orchard apples, and he knew the scent well, having spent most of his childhood working the farm and his family’s orchards.

When he feared that she would leave, Scarlett instead sat down on the chair that Ivan had been in as she took a slow sip of her own coffee. He fought a smile as foam coated her top lip, and he wanted to toss aside the table and kiss it off her lips.

What in all that was holy was wrong with him?

Do I have something in my teeth? You’re staring.

Zeke ran his thumb over his own mouth with a small smile, stopping when he touched the scarring on them from where his mother had burnt a cross into his lips to banish the devil in him. He dropped his fingers as Scarlett licked the foam, and he swore his body hardened all over watching her do it.

Had it been anyone else, Zeke would have thought her actions were deliberate, calculating, a ruse to try and seduce him. However, he now knew that Scarlett would not do any of that. She did not use her powers to seduce, as most of her kind did. Had he not witnessed the brutal power inside the timid woman, they would have been none the wiser. She had hurt herself to help him, even when he had been a colossal idiot and treated her unfairly, because he was absolutely petrified of Scarlett and the hunger she had awakened in him that had nothing at all to do with blood.

What do you make of Ivan? he asked Scarlett.

The succubus’s blue eyes, which reminded him of the ocean, widened as if surprised by his question.

What I think doesn’t matter, Scarlett said softly, offering him this sad smile.

It does to me.

Scarlett shifted in her seat, setting her coffee on the table, then taking it back in her hands. Keeva has always spoken kindly of Ivan, and we both know Keeva doesn’t mince her words. On the rare occasions I’ve met him, he’s always been pleasant. I think if you compare him to Angus, then he’s definitely a better choice. But I do wonder, is he doing this to lure Keeva back in?

That is my worry too. How much does he want Sicarius, and how much does he want Keeva?

Scarlett’s brows shot up. "I don’t think he wants her like that."

I was referring to her assassin skills, Ms. Russell. Where did your mind go? Zeke teased her, the words slipping free before he could stop them, his own surprise mirrored in Scarlett’s eyes as she formed an O with her lips, a crimson shade darkening her cheeks.

You’re teasing me?

Her tone was pure surprise, but he had surprised himself at how easy she was to talk to. Zeke pulled at the collar of his shirt, thankful that they had no more meetings tonight. He began to long for the safety of his library. Had he been kidding himself that he could try and be normal around her? Why was he even trying to ... charm her? Nothing could come of the chemistry between them, for he would lose control and kill her. Malakai and Keeva would have his balls if he hurt her. Hell, he’d never be able to live with himself if he hurt her, physically or emotionally.

Abruptly changing the subject to hide his sudden discomfort, Zeke thanked her for her help today and told her he wouldn’t need her again this evening. Zeke ignored the disappointment in her eyes as she offered him a sad smile that made him feel like a massive dickhead before she gathered the mugs and left him alone to brood with his thoughts.

Letting his forehead hit the desk as soon as Scarlett closed the door behind her, Zeke let loose a slew of curses in a couple of different languages. He had to do something to get her out of his system, but from the moment he caught her scent, the day she interviewed for the job, he could not fight the attraction.

He knew he was considered attractive, knew some women were drawn to dangerous men like he was. But Keeva had told him that Scarlett wanted someone to love her like in one of those crappy Hallmark movies. Zeke wasn’t ever going to be that man. He couldn’t.

He remembered the way Jazz had touched him, and her vision became words.

Rivers of blood tempting faith. Salvation comes when innocence cries. Death is the catalyst; Fear is the end. He comes, he comes, Darkness to swallow us whole. The city will burn, and hope is lost.

Zeke feared that he was the darkness coming to swallow them whole, that rivers of blood would spill because of him. It was not death he feared but letting loose the monster that clawed him from the inside out. He felt something brewing, even before Jazz’s visions. And Zeke would rather end his miserable life before he dared harm his family.

Scarlett

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Scarlett shifted her laptop bag to her other shoulder as she hummed along to the music in the elevator. Her thoughts kept drifting back to the brief exchange of words that she had shared with Ezekiel. He had been teasing her, but then, like he always did, the vampire seemed to shut down, barely showing any glimpses of himself, as if he cursed his momentary slip with her.

Ezekiel Collins was a dangerous, volatile man who had saved her life and one that Scarlett couldn’t stop thinking about. With dark eyes and cropped hair, he was strikingly handsome, yet Scarlett knew few would be able to look past the scars and the tattoos on his bulky frame and not be terrified. Scarlett herself had the good sense to know that he could kill her with his bare hands if he wanted to. It defied logic that Scarlett felt safe with him.

She